Approximately 9,000,000 U.S. citizens are migrants who relocate in foreign countries. When they arrive abroad, they can maintain an excellent standard of living with favourable conditions. The top states for immigration from America will be described below. The top is compiled on the basis of migrants’ preferences, recommendations of experts.
Reasons for American relocation
Even though America is a great country to live in, there are some people who find reasons to migrate from there:
- Employment opportunities
Job transfers or assignments with multinational companies.
Finding employment opportunities abroad that offer better career prospects or benefits. - Education
Pursuing higher education or specialized training programs in foreign universities. Many Americans move abroad to teach English or other subjects. - Cost of living
Moving to countries where the cost of living is lower, allowing for a higher quality of life on the same income. - Retirement
Choosing to retire in countries with favorable climates, lower living costs, and good healthcare systems. - Lifestyle and adventure
Desire to experience new cultures, languages, and ways of life. Moving to new places to explore different parts of the world. - Family and relationships
Joining family members who already live abroad. Relocating to be with a spouse or partner who is a citizen or resident of another country. - Healthcare
Seeking medical treatments or healthcare systems that are more affordable or advanced in other countries. - Political and social factors
Moving due to dissatisfaction with the political or social climate in the United States. Seeking a safer or more stable environment. - Business opportunities
Starting or expanding a business in a foreign market. - Remote work flexibility
With the rise of remote work, many Americans are choosing to live abroad while working for companies based in the U.S.
Top countries to relocate
Several of the most suitable states for relocation can be identified.
The Caribbean
The mild tax climate and quick decision on the application make the Caribbean citizenship one of the best options for relocating Americans. You can become a full-fledged national of the sunny island in 2-9 months. To obtain the new status, you only need to take part in the Caribbean citizenship by CBI program.
The procedure is very different from that in Europe. On the one hand, the process is simpler and ends with the granting of citizenship rather than a residence permit. On the other hand, it can be difficult for the average person to understand the Caribbean contribution system.
The following points should be kept in mind when applying:
- coronavirus restrictions have been cancelled in the Caribbean;
- you must show that you have the required funds in your accounts;
- you will have to provide information not only on the main and permanent source of income, but also on all other income;
- investments are transferred after, not before, citizenship;
- it is necessary to prove the purity of origin of the investment portfolio;
- the applicant must have no utility debts (electronic and paper proof is required).
Some Caribbean countries – Grenada, for example – do not accept foreigners with criminal records. However, other island states study the issue more deeply: they take into account the gravity of the offence, the time frame, the article.
Israel
Of course, the easiest way is to prove Jewish roots. Not only halakhic Jews, but also their descendants up to and including the third generation, can obtain Israeli passport by roots. It is also possible to obtain Israeli citizenship:
- By birthright.
- Through the legalisation of a marriage contracted with an Israeli citizen.
- By conversion to Judaism (conversion).
- Through naturalisation.
- By decision of the Israeli Minister of the Interior.
Portugal
The pros of Portuguese citizenship are as follows:
- EU citizenship – free entry and exit within the EU, free travel, education opportunities;
- Improved quality of life – Portugal has been voted the best country for expats in terms of quality of life by InterNations. Local social benefits, healthcare will be available to you;
- Low taxes – under the NHR programme, tax relief for expats is available for 10 years. Portugal also has free economic zones for favourable business taxation, such as Madeira;
- Preferential education fees – Portuguese citizenship allows you to attend universities, training courses in all European Union member states at a special price for EU nationals;
- Visa-free entry to the USA, Canada and Japan;
- Acquaintance with the culture of Portugal.
Malta
Maltese citizenship opens wide opportunities for foreign applicants:
- Visa-free entry to the European Union and Schengen zone, as well as the possibility of residence in any country in Europe.
- Obtaining long-term visas of any format – investor visas, visitor visas, etc.
- Opportunity to optimise taxation – Malta does not have many types of taxes common in the USA.
- Access to quality European education, medical services and other social benefits of the West.
In addition, Maltese citizenship is granted without the mandatory long period of naturalisation – after just 12 months you receive a passport of an EU citizen. Family members included in the application – spouse, children up to the age of 29 and parents who have reached the age of 55 – can apply for citizenship together with you.
Spain
The pros of Spanish citizenship are as follows:
- Enjoyment of an idyllic climate for an unlimited number of days;
- The right to be reunited with relatives;
- Second highest life expectancy in the world;
- Visa-free travel to 165 nations;
- No need to renew visas or temporary residences;
- Spanish citizenship gives priority in employment, health care and education;
- Brilliant social guarantees and state protection, help with benefits, pensions, grants;
- The right to elect and be elected to public bodies;
- More opportunities for doing business in the EU, opening accounts and low interest loans in European banks.
Greece
Greek citizenship offers a number of significant advantages, especially for those seeking to live within the European Union:
- Dual citizenship. Greece allows its nationals to hold two nationalities.
- EU citizenship. Because Greece is a member of the EU, its nationals are automatically granted EU citizenship, which entitles them to ove, work and reside freely in any of the EU member states.
- Educational and work opportunities. Greek citizenship opens access to the EU education and labour markets.
- Social protection and health care. Greek nationals are entitled to enjoy all social benefits and health services within the EU, ensuring a high standard of living and security.
- Visa-free travelling. A Greek passport allows visa-free travel within the Schengen area, as well as to a number of other nations.
- Investment opportunities. Greece offers programmes for investors that can lead to citizenship, especially in cases of buying property for a certain amount.
Cyprus
Obtaining Cypriot citizenship offers you a number of advantages. One of the key advantages is free movement within the European Union. As a Cypriot national, you will be free to travel and reside in any EU country without the need for a visa or work permit. This will give you the opportunity to seek new business partners, employment or education in any of the European Union nations.
In addition, Cypriot citizenship gives you the right to education. You will be able to access quality education in EU educational institutions on favourable terms.
This is especially valuable for families with children who want to provide them with a high level of education.
Another advantage of Cypriot citizenship is the ability to live and work in EU nations. You will be able to choose any EU country to work or do business in and enjoy the social and economic benefits available to EU nationals.
Switzerland
Many people dream of living in Europe and choose developed and civilised nations. Switzerland is one such nation. This country attracts migrants not only because of its banking secrecy, but also because of its loyal laws. Swiss citizenship has a number of advantages in comparison with citizenship of other nations. Of course, the procedure for obtaining it has a number of nuances.
Austria
The pros of Austrian citizenship are as follows:
- Investors in the Austrian citizenship programme for outstanding achievements can maintain their tax residency outside Austria.
- Austrian income is not required.
- German language skills are not required.
- Austrian citizenship examination is not required.
- Dual citizenship is allowed (i.e. a second Austrian passport is possible).
You can apply for Austrian citizenship at any Austrian consulate.
Andorra
Features and advantages of Andorra’s long-term residence programme for investors:
- Minimum capital for residence permit – 400 thousand euros.
- Fast terms of residence permit registration – 2 months.
- Minimum requirement of mandatory presence in the country – 90 days.
- Possibility of family immigration.
- Potential profitability and return on investment.
- The right to choose a tax residence, low interest charges.
- Unlimited prolongation of residence permit, Andorran citizenship after 17 years.
- Open visa-free travel to Spain, Portugal, and France.
Canada
Canadian citizenship provides a number of significant benefits that contribute to development and prosperity in the global economy. The following are the main benefits that come with a Canadian citizenship:
- Health care. Canada is renowned for its health care system that provides free medical care to all nationals and permanent residents. Due to this advantage, Canadian nationals have access to high quality health care and do not have to worry about high health costs.
- Privilege and freedom. Canada is a country with a high level of democracy and protection of human rights. Canadian nationals have privileges and freedoms that guarantee social justice and equality before the law. This includes the right to freedom of speech, religion, assembly and political participation.
- Security. Canada is one of the safest nations in the world. Canadian nationals enjoy a high level of personal security and can be confident that their rights and property are protected. This is especially important in the global economic context, where security is an important factor in investment and business decisions.
Thailand
The pros of a Thai passport are as follows:
- You can own land in Thailand.
- You do not need to apply for a work permit to get a work permit.
- You no longer need to renew your visa (anyone who has lived in Thailand knows what a painful and lengthy process this is).
- You do not need to apply for a re-entry permit every time you need to leave the nation.
- You can own 100 per cent of a Thai company.
Legal pathways to relocation
Citizenship by investment is a process whereby an individual is granted nationality or permanent residency status in a country in exchange for significant investment in its economy.
This may include investments in real estate, business, government funds or other economic initiatives. Citizenship by investment programmes vary from country to country and the requirements, conditions and benefits can vary significantly.
This can be an attractive option for high-income U.S. nationals who are looking to expand their opportunities in other nations.
Visa options
Visas come in tourist, work. There are also visitor visas, which allow you to stay in the country for a certain period of time.
Investment requirements
Investor requirements vary from state to state. For example, there are Caribbean nations where it is necessary to invest $100,000 or more in the economy.